Learn how to use solder and a soldering iron to make small stick figures, as well as how to solder electronic "through-hole" components for electronic printed circuit board assembly (PCBs).

In this class, you will learn basic solder and flux types, safe soldering practices, and soldering iron maintenance. You will learn to de-solder using various techniques, including a "solder sucker" tool or solder braid.

This is a fun first class for kids and adults!

After students have taken this workshop, they will have passed the Soldering and Basic Electronics SBU.

Prerequisite(s): None

Equipment access: Soldering irons

Minimum age: 8 years

Supervision requirements: When using machines outside of class, 8 to 12-year-olds may only use equipment during "Supervised Maker Sessions" (classes and courses taught and supervised by TechShop Youth Education instructors). Members who are ages 12-15 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian who has passed the SBU when using the tool outside of "Supervised Maker Sessions."

Note: All minors must have a Minor Liability Waiver filled out by a parent or guardian when dropped off at TechShop. These waivers will be provided at the Front Desk. Minors may not enter the building without the Waiver.

Saturday Youth Studio is your chance to experiment using our laser cutters, 3D printers, and modelling software to make your dreams come true! Studio time is available for 8–17 year olds, and parents are welcome to participate at no additional cost. Our skilled Youth Educators will also be on hand to guide students through the engineering design process.

Cost includes materials. This course does not offer safety and basic use instruction of the lasers, 3D printers, or any tools that require a Safety and Basic Use (SBU) course. Participants who have completed TechShop SBUs or TechShop Summer of Creation courses are eligible to use tools in the TechShop Youth Studio Sessions.

STEAM101: After School: Design & Build Foundations (Mon & Wed)TechShop’s hands-on STEAM programming is now available after school. Students are immersed in a creative environment that covers science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Across every subject, they learn how to approach life as problem solvers.

Learn the basics of how to operate a full array of tools in this elemental course that spans 8 weeks of after-school sessions. After learning how to use digital design software to create your own custom personal logo, you'll bring it to life in a variety of materials using laser cutters, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and standard shop tools. At the end of the session, you will have a solid understanding of how to go from idea to design to creation, plus you will be certified to use all the aforementioned tools at TechShop.

Design & Build is a foundational course that will give young innovators safety clearance for the tools we use in our STEAM program and prepare them for the next course. We will meet for 2-hour sessions, 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Please show up 10 minutes early on your first day so you can complete registration.

* Membership is verified at the time of the class session. Be sure to bring your badge.

STEAM202: Advanced Creator Sessions (16wk)TechShop’s popular, hands-on STEAM programming is now available after school. Students are immersed in a creative environment where they explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. And across every subject, they learn how to approach life as problem solvers.

In these project-based STEAM sessions, students take the foundational knowledge they learned in our foundational STEAM classes and put it to the test. There is one project for each STEAM discipline, giving students 5 unique portfolio pieces.

Here are the projects covered in this 32-hour course:

SCIENCE: PAPER-CUT SHADOW LIGHTBOX

The science of light and the art of diffusion come together in this fun, creative project. Use shop tools to build your box frame, add LEDs, then use design software to create your shadow art, and cut it out on the laser cutter. Assemble and proudly display the art of science.

TECHNOLOGY: LIGHT-UP TOTE BAG

Did you know that circuits can be sewn? Learn about soft, electronic-textile circuits as you design and sew your own tote bag that lights up when you open it. Once you’ve learned the basics of soft circuits, a world of project possibilities awaits you.

ENGINEERING: ORNITHOPTER

Study the principles of winged flight by constructing a classic balsa monoplane whose design is based on the motion of birds flapping their wings. Then put your engineering chops to the test in a flight competition. Whose ornithopter will fly the farthest? Whose will have the smoothest flight?

ART: LIFECASTING

Dive into the world of mold making by casting a mold of your hand using plaster and alginate, then craft a mount for your hand mold, and make your own custom wall hanging.

MATH: BUILDING SCALE MODELS

Ever wonder how we make miniatures look believable? It’s all about the scale. How do we figure out the scale? Math! In this course, you’ll choose something to miniaturize and work through the math to make it in small scale.

This program will meet for 2-hour sessions, 1 day a week, for 16 weeks. Please show up 10 minutes early on your first day so you can complete registration.

During the Laser Cut a Clock Challenge, students will learn Laser Cutting and Etching SBU, 2D Design, and Advanced Laser Cutting and Etching. Students will receive all the pieces to create a clock, and throughout the day, will have the opportunity to use the skills they learn to complete and assemble their clock to take home. To view previous examples, click this LINK.

Information: This class is one day, from 9:30AM-3:30PM or from 4:00PM-10:00PM (please check enrollment time), students are asked to bring a bagged lunch and close toed shoes are mandatory. Students aged 8-17 may be enrolled for this course.

During the Solder an LED Cube Challenge, students will master soldering as they spend the day completing an LED Cube. Students will learn the basics to electronics, soldering, and get an introduction to 2D Design. At the end of the class, students will walk away with a fully functional LED Cube. To view previous examples, click this LINK.

Information: This class is one day, from 9:30AM-3:30PM or from 4:00PM-10:00PM (please check enrollment time), students are asked to bring a bagged lunch and close toed shoes are mandatory. Students aged 8-17 may be enrolled for this course.